Wayne M. Knigge

Wayne Merle Knigge was born August 25th, 1938, to Levi and Pauline Knigge in Alexandria, NE. He was one of 11 children born in the family. He died November 20, 2018 at home with family at bedside, at the age of 80. Wayne attended rural school District #30 North of Alexandria to first grade, when they transferred to the Alexandria public school. He attended there until he graduated in 1957.

He was united in marriage to Lois Hasselbring on September 14th, 1958 at the Presbyterian church in Alexandria. They started their life in Strang, NE where he worked on a farm for Wendell and Norma Lee Christiancy who acquired him as their son. In August of 1961 they moved to Fairbury with intentions of Wayne attending junior college. He ended up accepting a full-time position at Roode’s Packing on August 14th, 1961. He retired on January 1st, 2004 and a few months later went back part-time until he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in July of 2011. Wayne was determined to fight the disease until it ended his life on November 20th, 2018.

He was a member of the Presbyterian church in Fairbury, NE. He served as an elder for two terms and as the church custodian for several years. He was a member of the Fairbury Elks Lodge for 42 years. He enjoyed gardening, hunting, raising pigs, watching Husker football and spending time with family and friends. Wayne had a very strong work ethic, but always made time for his family which was an important part of his life. He served as a role model for many.

Wayne is preceded in death by his parents and grandparents. Brothers; Leland and Don, sister; Kathleen Morgan and brother-in-laws; Roy Morgan, Howard Bulin, Lynn Hudson and Bill Disney. Acquired parents; Wendell and Norma Lee Christiancy and acquired brother, Gary Christiancy.
Wayne is survived by his wife, Lois Knigge of Fairbury, NE, his son Steve and wife Julie of Fairbury, NE. Daughters; Pam and husband Steve Lohmeier of Lincoln, NE, Peggy and husband Patrick Fairbanks of Omaha, NE and Staci and husband Jon Thompson of Manhattan, KS. Ten grandchildren; Desiree & spouse Jamie Stickney, Danielle & spouse J.J. Whitten, Kyle & spouse Danielle Fairbanks, Paige Fairbanks, Kaleb Fairbanks, Dylan Knigge, Halle Knigge, Hannah Knigge, Jake Schroeder, Megan Thompson and eight great-grandchildren. Sisters; Betty Bulin of Alexandria, NE, Darliene Hudson of Arvada, CO, Wanda and husband Charles McMillan of Omaha, NE, Pauline Disney of Heritage Crossings of Geneva, NE, Wilma and husband Gary Luther of Grand Island, NE, Marge and husband Jim Durflinger of Alexandria, NE, Cherie and husband Rod Domeier of Sutton, NE and sister-in-law Pat Knigge of Alexandria. Acquired brother, Rich Christiancy and Acquired sister, Kathy Fletcher, and many nieces and nephews.

Services will be held on November 24th at 10:30 at the Presbyterian Church in Fairbury with Pastor Douglas and special scripture by Gail Cross with burial to follow in Alexandria cemetery. Lunch will be provided following the burial at the Presbyterian Church in Fairbury.
Memorials to the Presbyterian Church in Fairbury, Presbyterian Church in Alexandria and the Alexandria Cemetery.